How Do I Shoot Black Background Photos with the Sony A6000 / A6300 / A6500?

There’s no way around it – black background in daylight dives is FAR easier with a compact camera, since you can just use 1/2000s to get rid of the background.

With DSLR’s and MIL, the secret is a very strong strobe and being close to the subject.

The 1/160s on the A6*** series is even more limiting than most DSLR’s (which are limited to 1/250s).

It is possible though!

Sony A6500 + 16-50 + UCL-165

Here’s how you do it:

You set your ISO on lowest, shutter speed on 1/160s and aperture on as low as you need to get a black background.

Then you fire up your strobes all the way to maximum and make sure they light up the subject well enough. This is why for DSLR and Mirrorless it’s recommended to have a powerful strobe, with a GN higher than the entry level 20. The Inon Z-330 or Sea & Sea YS-D2J are perfect choices.

Also, you have to make sure the background is clear behind your subject, otherwise you end up lighting the background as well.

It helps to put the strobes from the side, so they don’t reach the background.

That should give you the desired effect! It works best on macro / close-up shots, but can be done on wide angle as well, depending on lighting conditions.

Ran is a professional photographer for over 14 years. His passion for scuba diving and photography has pushed him to combine his profession and hobby and become a professional underwater photographer. Teaching is one of his greatest passions and over the years he has shared his experience with many divers and aspiring photographers. Along with his wife Danielle, an experienced Scuba Instructor, they have founded Dive and More, leading dive trips and UW photo workshops all over the world. Ran is also an electrical engineer and an avid internet marketing specialist.Visit his personal portfolio at www.ranmorphoto.com.